TOWN OF WATSON LAKE
REGULAR MEETING MEETING NO. 9 COUNCIL CHAMBERS May 3, 2011
ATTENDANCE ABSENT WITH NOTICE
RICHARD DUROCHER- MAYOR HOWARD FICK - COUNCILOR R. Relkoff CYNTHIA ARMSTRONG - COUNCILLOR L.Relkoff BEV LISTER - COUNCILLOR
ADMINISTRATION PUBLIC
STEPHEN CONWAY – CAO R.Wilkinson TERRI CLOSE – ADMIN ASSISTANT B.Cornell C.Larson C.O’Brien
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Durocher. AGENDA MOTION 011-09-070
Moved by Councilor Fick, seconded by Councilor Armstrong that:
The agenda be adopted as amended to include:
AYC Auction Item. Use of Constituent Office - CARRIED - MINUTES MOTION 011-09-071
Moved by Councilor Lister, seconded by Councilor Fick that:
The minutes be adopted from the last Regular Meeting of April 19, 2011 as presented. - CARRIED –
Councilor Fick enquired as to when the cleanup will commence on the Digital North property. Administration advised that an expression of interest has been circulated related to unsightly premises and the Watson Lake Fire Department has arranged to destroy the outbuildings. TENDERS
One tender was received for the Heating Fuel Contract.
MOTION 011-09-072
Moved by Councilor Fick, seconded by Councilor Armstrong that:
Council accept the tender from North 60 Petro Ltd for the price of $1.1483 + GST. - CARRIED – Page 2
CAO REPORT
The CAO discussed the following:
Land Planning – YTG Land Planner Jerome McIntyre advised that there is $50,000 available for future development for land planning. The lots on Frances Avenue are potential land set aside for LFN. Council will need to consider other areas for Residential lots.
Territorial Elections – Administration informed Council that there is nothing to prohibit municipal elected officers to seek election in the Territorial election.
Overpayment to Employees – There was an RSP overpayment to seven employees due to a problem with the Vadim Software program. The overpayments will be recovered from the employees and the problem addressed with Vadim to have corrected.
Community Affairs Meeting – YTG Representatives will be in Watson Lake May 10th to discuss the Watson Lake Landfill.
Property tax grant relief – Administration suggested a meeting to discuss property tax relief for non-profit groups. Council agreed to meet on Tuesday, May 3rd at noon.
Water situation – Administration updated Council on a problem with Well #1A. Mud was detected in the water as the KPAC coupling device had been impacted and mud and gravel were entering the system. Aqua Tech was hired to assess the situation. They performed a chemical cleaning, air shock and super chlorination and inspected the well via camera. The Engineers have been sent a copy of the camera work and are assessing how to proceed to correct the situation.
Build Canada Fund – YTG is now putting various stipulations in place that will cost extra time and money and may jeopardize the infrastructure projects to proceed this year. A contract has been signed with YTG, however the specifics are not being met. Council suggested that Mayor Durocher contact Premier Fentie to discuss this situation and how to move forward on the Build Canada projects that were slated to commence this year. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MOTION 011-09-073
Moved by Councilor Lister, seconded by Councilor Fick that:
The Open Payables in the amount of $197,872.70 and the Payroll cheques #49861 through #49888 in the amount of $32,294.69 for the grand total of $230,167.39 be paid. - CARRIED – NEW & UNFINISHED
COMMUNITY LOTTERY FUNDING
Council received information from Lotteries Yukon that the Town of Watson Lake received $24,236.00 for the 2011/12 Community Lottery Program allocation. Page 3 2010 DRAFT AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MOTION 011-09-074
Moved by Councilor Fick, seconded by Councilor Lister that:
Council accept the draft audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010. - CARRIED - MANAGEMENT LETTER
Council reviewed a management letter prepared by BDO Dunwoody, Chartered Accountants. The Management letter outlined problems with the payroll accruals and potential liability of the Watson Lake Landfill site. AYC AUCTION ITEM Council discussed various options for the AYC Auction which is being held May 14th in Haines Junction. Councilor Armstrong and Councilor Lister agreed to find a suitable piece of artwork from a local artist that can be donated to the auction.
CONSTITUENTS OFFICE
Council addressed the office space that was occupied by Larry Bagnell. Council would like to offer the space to the newly elected Member of Parliament.
MOTION 011-09-075
Moved by Councilor Armstrong, seconded by Councilor Fick that:
Council donate the office space to the Conservative member of parliament at the same rate that Larry Bagnell was offered.
- CARRIED – CORRESPONDENCE
Council reviewed a letter from Klondyke Dental Clinic advising that due to increasing costs they will be closing their practice at the end of May, 2011. QUESTION PERIOD
Council questioned the siren that is located at the airport. The siren will be relocated once all the details have been worked out with Transport Canada.
Chauncey Larson approached Council to discuss the increase in his property taxes. Mr. Larson suggested that the Public should have been informed of the property tax increase on vacant property prior to the tax notices being sent. Mayor Durocher invited Chauncey to meet to with him to discuss this matter. IN-CAMERA
MOTION 011-09-076
Moved by Councilor Fick, seconded by Councilor Armstrong that:
Council go In-Camera at 8:15 pm. - CARRIED – Page 4
MOTION 011-09-077
Moved by Councilor Armstrong, seconded by Councilor Fick that:
Council revert to an Open Meeting at 9:00 pm
- CARRIED – ADJOURNMENT MOTION 011-09-078
Moved by Councilor Fick, seconded by Councilor Armstrong that:
There being no further business the meeting be adjourned at 9:00 pm.
- CARRIED - ______Richard Durocher – Mayor Terri Close – Admin Assistant